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Overview

With high forested mountains, picturesque colonial cities and ancient Mayan ruins, Chiapas is one of the most scenic and culturally interesting states in Mexico and is significantly cheaper than many resort and urban areas. Chiapas is the heartland of the modern Mayan people, who are ever present in their traditional colorful attire in both the villages and the larger cities. Vacationers in Chiapas will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the inhabitants and charmed by the authentic flavor of the region.

San Cristobal de las Casas

One of the most stunning colonial cities in Mexico, San Cristobal de las Casas sits at 7,000 feet and has a distinctly Bohemian feel. Home to a significant number of European and American expatriates and Mexican artists, the city has cobblestone streets and wide plazas full of international restaurants, art galleries and cafes. Traditionally dressed highland Maya sell handmade crafts and clothing on street corners and in the large markets, and visitors come from all over the world to study Spanish and volunteer in one of the many nonprofits based in the city. The surrounding mountains are dotted with authentic Mayan villages, set amid pine forests, that are popular day trips by horseback or hiking trail. Accommodations come at all price levels, and many of the most charming central colonial buildings are small boutique hotels and hostels.

Palenque

Built in the first century B.C. where the foothills of the mountains meet the plains of the Yucatan Peninsula, Palenque was a major Mayan center of power until the eighth century A.D. The ruins, set amid lush jungle, feature several pyramid-shaped temples and a palace with a tall watchtower. Many visitors stay in the nearby Palenque town, although there are numerous eco-lodges, resorts and even budget accommodation options in the jungle itself. Toucans and howler monkeys are frequently seen in and around the ruins, which can be visited independently or by guided tour.

Sumidero Canyon

Just a few miles east of Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital city of Chiapas, lies the natural wonder of the Sumidero Canyon Ecological Park. Formed by the mighty Grijalva River, which was dammed in 1981, the spectacular canyon is now full of tranquil water that is easily explorable by boat. Tour companies offer guided two- to three-hour tours of the canyon, which has sheer walls that sometimes tower more than 2,000 feet above the water. The park is also home to a bird and animal sanctuary; and kayaking, mountain biking and zip line tours are all popular activities. The city of Tuxtla Gutierrez has accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, as well as a large traditional craft market where high-quality handicrafts are sold at fair prices.

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About the Author

Based in San Francisco, Ocean Malandra is a travel writer, author and documentary filmmaker. He runs a major San Francisco travel website, is widely published in both online and print publications and has contributed to several travel guidebooks to South America.

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